James Laurinaitis, a name that just screams college football greatness, is about to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. He’s one of only eight three-time All-Americans in Ohio State history, which, honestly, is wild.
Laurinaitis has had quite a run—standout linebacker for the Buckeyes, a solid NFL career, and now a coach. His journey’s been all about dedication and a real passion for the game, and it shows at every step.
James Laurinaitis: A Storied College Career
Laurinaitis’s college years at Ohio State? Legendary, plain and simple. Hailing from Wayzata, Minnesota, he made his mark with the Buckeyes from 2005 to 2008.
He was a two-time team captain in 2007 and 2008. During his time, Ohio State snagged four straight Big Ten Conference championships, two of them outright wins.
The Buckeyes also played in two BCS national championship games while he was there. That’s a heck of a run for any college player.
Accolades and Achievements
His list of awards is, well, a little intimidating. Laurinaitis is one of just three players in Ohio State history to be a three-time consensus or unanimous All-American, right up there with Chic Harley and Wes Fesler.
- Unanimous All-American (2008)
- Nagurski-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2007, 2008)
- Lott IMPACT Trophy (2008)
- Senior CLASS Award (2008)
- Butkus Award (2007)
- Consensus All-American (2006, 2007)
- Bronko Nagurski Award (2006)
On-Field Dominance
Laurinaitis played in 51 games at Ohio State and started the final 40. He led the team in tackles for three years straight—115, 121, and 130 in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
By the end, he’d piled up 375 tackles, which puts him seventh in school history. He also racked up 24.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and nine interceptions.
Laurinaitis’s leadership helped Ohio State’s defense finish first in the nation in total defense in 2007. Not bad, right?
BCS Championship Game Record
One of his biggest moments came in the 2007 BCS Championship Game against LSU. He set a game record with 18 tackles that night.
That performance pretty much sealed his status as one of the all-time great linebackers in college football.
Transition to the NFL
After graduating in 2009 with a communications degree, Laurinaitis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round. He played seven seasons with the Rams and one with the New Orleans Saints.
He started 115 out of 117 games in his NFL career and finished with 869 total tackles. That’s a lot of hits over eight seasons.
Post-NFL Career and Coaching
When his playing days ended, Laurinaitis moved into broadcasting. He worked as an analyst for the Big Ten Network and joined a broadcast team at 97.1 FM The Fan in Columbus.
He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Notre Dame in 2022, then came back to Ohio State in 2023. In 2024, he was promoted to linebackers coach under Ryan Day.
In 2025, his starting linebacker duo—Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese—made school history by both being named first-team All-Americans in the same season. That’s the kind of stat you have to read twice.
Legacy and Induction
Laurinaitis is now the 29th former Buckeye player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He joins recent names like Chris Ward (2024), Michael Doss (2022), Keith Byars (2020), and Tom Cousineau (2016).
He’s the fourth linebacker from Ohio State to earn this honor, following Cousineau, Chris Spielman, and Randy Gradishar. That’s some pretty elite company.
Family and Personal Life
James and his wife, Shelly, live in Columbus with their three daughters—London, Hayden, and Remi—and their son, Maverick. You get the sense that Laurinaitis’s commitment to family and football is as strong as ever.
Conclusion
James Laurinaitis getting into the College Football Hall of Fame? Honestly, it’s hard to think of anyone more deserving. The guy made a real mark at Ohio State, and you can still feel his influence—whether you’re watching old highlights or catching him on the sidelines coaching.
He’ll be officially inducted at the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. That’s a pretty fitting stage for someone whose career has been anything but ordinary.
If you want the full scoop, check out the announcement here.
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